Referral Orders work
Warwickshire’s Youth Offending Service is highlighting the benefits of Referral Orders after a young person was recognised nationally for turning his life around.
Dwayne – not his real name – got in to trouble with the Police last year after he was caught painting Graffiti in the south of the county. He pleaded guilty to Criminal Damage and was given a Referral Order by the Courts, as it was his first offence.
The Referral Order involves attending a youth offender panel made up of two community volunteers and a panel advisor from the Youth Offending Service. This panel – along with the young person, their parents/carers and the victim – agree a contract lasting between 3 and 12 months that aims to repair the harm caused by the offence and address the cause of their offending behaviour.
In Dwayne’s case, he offered the victim a direct apology; undertook work to understand why he committed the offence; and used his creativity positively to design the artwork for an anti-crime project running in schools, called ‘Actions Bring Consequences’.
The 16-year-old completed his three-month order successfully with a high level of positive feedback – and was recognised for his efforts with an award from the Association of Panel Members.
Heather Shilling, Operations Manager (Interventions) for the Warwickshire Youth Offending Service, said: “Referral Orders help ensure that the young person makes up for the crime they have committed against an individual or community.
“In many cases, the fact a young person has committed an offence is totally out of character – so as part of the order, they explore the reasons behind the behaviour and how they can make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Trevor Pethick, a panel member for Warwickshire’s Youth Offending Service, said: “The Referral Order has helped steer Dwayne away from re-offending and has helped him make positive steps in getting his life back on track.
“He has realised his creativity can be used for positive activities such as the ‘Actions Bring Consequences’ work book – and has used this skill to find employment.”
For more information about the Warwickshire Youth Offending Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/yot.